Decision: Affordable Care Act is upheld as Constitutional: 5-4

Just in case you haven’t already heard, earlier today, the nation’s highest court ruled the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) to be constitutional in its entirety, with the exception of some Medicaid provisions, which are still being deciphered. In a move surprising to many, Chief Justice John Roberts joined with the Supreme Court’s more liberal Justices to uphold the individual mandate under Congress’s taxing power.

In simple terms, the benefits Americans are currently seeing from this legislation, like the ability to keep young adult children covered by their parents’ health insurance policy until age 26, and health care coverage for those with pre-existing medical conditions will remain in effect. Other health care changes that are scheduled to take place over the next few years are still intact. This decision means that help is on its way for all Americans who are currently uninsured!

There is much cause to celebrate today. However, we must remain steadfast in our support of health care for all. Mere moments following the announcement of the decision, U.S. Speaker of the House, John Boehner released a statement that the law is hurting the economy by increasing health care costs and making it difficult for small businesses to hire. He says the court’s ruling demands repeal of the entire law.

Meanwhile there was jubilation in the streets of Washington, D.C., as 1000’s of people began chanting “U.S.A.” immediately following the announcement. SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement:

“Thanks to President Barack Obama and the members of Congress who believed that passing this law would not only save lives, but endow our children with a more promising and secure future, there are more than 100 million Americans of all political parties, ages, incomes and occupations that are benefitting from the Affordable Care Act.
Americans everywhere are struggling to afford rent, groceries and gas to get to work. The Court’s decision today is vitally important because now is not the time to slow down the benefits of the law that is making healthcare more affordable. Now is the time to keep America moving forward.”

A report providing data regarding the health law and the number of Granite Staters impacted can be found at NH Fiscal Policy Institute, http://www.nhfpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/SCOTUS-ACA-and-NH.pdf.

Note: HCAN and NH Citizens Alliance for Action will be hosting a “The Wait is Over!” community gathering at Veterans Park in Manchester TONIGHT, Thursday, June 28th at 6:00 p.m. Speaker line-up will include community health leaders and personal testimonials, in celebration of ruling!